Strap welding system and method

Abstract

Bale strap assemblies for strapping a pressed bale are materials capable of being strapped are discussed herein. The bale strap assemblies account for jumping affects at the weld jaws due to reciprocating motions of the crank on the connecting rod and are adjusted by varying relative positions between the crank and the weld jaws.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for welding two ends of a strap comprising:
 placing the two ends in between a stationary weld jaw and a fixed weld jaw and causing the stationary weld jaw and the fixed weld jaw to press the two ends; a weld plane is defined between the two weld jaws; 
 fixing the fixed weld jaw to a connecting rod to prevent rotational and translational movement between the two; 
 securing a link to the fixed weld jaw by a first pin and a lower end of the link to a structure by a second pin; 
 securing the connecting rod to a crank and rotating the crank; and 
 adjusting a centerline of the crank relative to the first pin. 
 
     
     
       2. The method for welding of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting step comprises increasing a length of the crank. 
     
     
       3. The method for welding of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting step comprises raising a base connected to the crank. 
     
     
       4. The method for welding of  claim 1 , wherein the adjusting step comprising adding shims. 
     
     
       5. The method for welding of  claim 1 , further comprising lowering, elevation-wise, the weld plane. 
     
     
       6. The method for welding of  claim 1 , further comprising adjusting an angle between a centerline of the connecting rod and the weld plane. 
     
     
       7. A system for welding comprising a plurality of weld assemblies, each of said weld assemblies comprising:
 a stationary weld jaw substantially stationary from translational movement; 
 a fixed weld jaw secured to a connecting rod by at least two secured points; said fixed weld jaw and said connecting rod are fixed from rotational and translational movement relative to one another; 
 a link pivotably connected to the fixed weld jaw by a first pivot pin and pivotably connected to a structure by a second pivot pin to angularly rotate relative to the fixed weld jaw and the structure; 
 a crank pivotably connected to the connecting rod to impart reciprocating motion on the connecting rod; and 
 wherein a centerline of the crank is adjustable relative to the first pivot pin. 
 
     
     
       8. The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of shims to change the position of the crank relative to the weld plane. 
     
     
       9. The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a plurality of teeth on the surface of the stationary weld jaw and the fixed weld jaw. 
     
     
       10. The system of  claim 7 , wherein the at least two secured points are fixed pins. 
     
     
       11. The system of  claim 7 , wherein the crank is operatively connected to a pulley system. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a feeder assembly for feeding the strap. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein the feeder assembly comprises a cutter for cutting the strap. 
     
     
       14. The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a tensioner operatively connected to the crank to change the position of the crank relative to the weld plane. 
     
     
       15. The system of  claim 7 , further comprising a second through six weld assembly located side-by-side. 
     
     
       16. The system of  claim 7 , wherein the crank comprises an eccentric pivot rod. 
     
     
       17. The system of  claim 7 , wherein the stationary jaw is coupled to a telescoping cylinder.